KENT, Wash. (KOMO) — Police in Kent, Washington said a man was shot and killed Thursday afternoon after a dispute at a cemetery.
Aerial video showed several officers at the site, located at 957 W. Maple Street, the same address for Hillcrest Burial Park.
Officers found an unresponsive man with gunshot wounds and started life-saving efforts, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said a dispute erupted among a group of people, ending in gunfire. After the shots were fired the group left and fled the area.
“I heard six quick gun shots,” said Troy Torr, who was passing by the cemetery on an evening walk when he saw a group of at least 50 people inside. “I walked up a little closer and saw the crowd dispersing. About a minute later I heard six more gunshots and then that's when everybody got in their cars and took off."
Kent Police Major Crimes Detectives are investigating what led up to the deadly shooting. Investigators believe the shooting was not a random act.
Neighbors said it is fairly common to see large groups of people gathered at the graveyard, and they’ve seen tensions rise before.
“Sometimes groups will get there and people will argue. Rival groups or something. They'll fight over something,” said Larry Stougard, who lives across the street.
Kent police are asking that if you have information that may assist in this case to please call 911, the Kent Police Tip line at 253-856-5808 or email the information to Kentpolicetips@kentwa.gov.
ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7zZqroqeeYsSwvsudZqmnnJ6wpnnMmqVmq5ikwW63yKWjnpxdlsFur8SmnK2doq56orLTnqlmnJmovbbAxGafoqScmL%2Bmv9Nmma6qmZa5brzAq6Jmo5WjwW68zqWgnJ1doq6ru9FmmquhnZrA